Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced her nomination list of 32 students to the U.S. military service academies for the Class of 2018. The students’ applications are now being considered by the four academies for final selections.

Four students were selected from Hawaii Island. Hirono has nominated James Whalen of Makua Lani Christian Academy, Scott Takahashi of Waiakea High School, and Christopher Hutt and Phil K. Aganus both of Kamehameha Schools – Keaau.

U.S. Air Force Academy: James Whalen (Kailua Kona), Makua Lani Christian Academy
James Whalen is both a tremendous athlete and model student. Mr. Whalen is a varsity athlete in soccer, tennis, and cross country, and was selected for the Olympic Development Program State Selection Camp in 2011. He currently sits on the Honor Roll and has received the Principal’s Award for his academic achievements. Additionally, he has been a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts and in August of 2013 went to the Eagle Board of Review.

U.S. Military Academy at West Point: Scott Takahashi (Hilo), Waiakea High School
Scott Takahashi plans to commit his life to a career in the U.S. Army and follow in the footsteps of his father, uncles, and grandfather. After much research and consideration, has come to the decision that he would benefit most from the training and responsibilities provided to officers and academy cadets in order to contribute most to the Army and military as a whole. Mr. Takahashi participates in JROTC at his high school and was introduced to the idea of attending an Academy by his senior instructor during his freshman year of high school.

U.S. Naval Academy: Christopher Hutt (Keaau), Kamehameha Schools – Keaau
Christopher Hutt has decided that pursuing a career in the military through an education at a service academy is the path in life he wants to follow. He came to this conclusion under the influence of his family’s various roles in the military, specifically his father’s time in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Hutt has since joined the Civil Air Patrol and is frequently building his leadership capacity. He believes that the Naval Academy helps cadets to develop courage, leadership, and character.

U.S. Air Force Academy: Phil K. Aganus (Hilo), Kamehameha Schools – Keaau
Phil Aganus is interested in pursuing an education at the U.S. Air Force Academy, as he sees the school as a series of physical and mental challenges with the teachings and core values of leadership and service. Mr. Aganus would eventually like to become a pilot or engineer. He is a scholar and a varsity athlete in football (where he is also the team captain), soccer, and track and field, and won the Scholar Athlete award, something given to a student with both scholastic and athletic achievements.

The four military service academies are: the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

U.S. Representatives and Senators submit nominations to the four service academies. Each academy’s director of admissions then selects from the submitted lists of nominees who are measured on their scholastic achievement, leadership experience, school involvement, athletic and extra-curricular activities, community contributions and volunteer or employment experiences. Nomination does not guarantee appointment.

After working for 16 months to increase Social Security Administration (SSA) service for West Hawaii residents, Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined SSA Regional Commissioner Grace Kim and Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi to announce expanded Social Security services for residents at the West Hawaii Civic Center.

West Hawaii Civic Center

In November, the Social Security Administration announced it would end monthly Kona office hours due to budget constraints, forcing West Hawaii kupuna to make a four-hour roundtrip drive to meet with representatives.

Beginning August 22, residents will be able to go the West Hawaii Civic Center on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 9am to 1pm to meet with SSA representatives using the new video conferencing system.

“This announcement is great news for Hawaii Island kupuna and shows that when we work together, we can make meaningful differences in people’s lives,” Hirono said. “This video conferencing service will greatly ease the ability of our kupuna to receive the Social Security services they have earned. I greatly appreciate the efforts of the Social Security Administration, Mayor Kenoi, as well as AARP Hawaii, the Hawaii Executive Office on Aging’s Sage PLUS program, and Hawaiian Telcom for getting this done.”

Hirono led the effort to coordinate with Hawaii County and a number of volunteer groups, including the Hawaii Island state librarians, AARP Hawaii, Sage PLUS, RSVP, and Medicare Patrol – to make the video conferencing service a reality for West Hawaii residents. At the urging of West Hawaii constituents and AARP Hawaii, Hirono initially contacted the SSA in April 2012 to address reports of crowding and long lines at the SSA monthly contact stations and to urge the agency to expand its monthly face-to-face Kona visits by Hilo SSA staff.

After the SSA announced it would end these monthly visits, Hirono continued to push for video conferencing services that wouldn’t require Hilo SSA staff to travel to Kona and worked closely with community leaders to execute a formal agreement and coordinate the location, service dates, and technical installation.

At today’s event, Hirono joined SSA Regional Commissioner Barbara Kim Stanton and Mayor Kenoi to thank the volunteer groups and Hawaiian Telcom for their partnership in bringing this valuable service to the West Hawaii community.

“Mahalo to all the partners for working together to help our West Hawai’i seniors access the Social Security services they depend upon. We’re happy to welcome this valuable community service to the West Hawai’i Civic Center,” saidMayor Billy Kenoi.

“Assistance made available via this video conferencing arrangement will be an economic lifeline for West Hawaii residents,” said AARP Hawaii State DirectorBarbara Kim Stanton. “Nearly a third of older Hawaii residents rely on Social Security for 50 percent or more of their family income. Our low- and middle-income seniors are even more reliant on Social Security’s earned benefit, typically receiving nearly three-quarters of their income from this vital program.

“AARP Hawaii is enormously grateful for the leadership and commitment of our community partners – the Social Security Administration, Mayor Billy Kenoi, and especially Senator Mazie Hirono, for responding to and working with AARP volunteers to make this service a reality,” Stanton added.

While Pamela Cunningham of the Hawaii Executive Office on Aging said, “The Executive Office on Aging’s Sage PLUS Program is inspired by the community volunteers and agencies of West Hawaii that have committed to this program to help their neighbors.”

“We’re proud to be helping as the technology partner on this innovative solution enabling West Hawaii residents to communicate ‘face-to-face’ with the Social Security Administration,” said Paul Krueger, Hawaiian Telcom’s Vice President – Sales & Product Marketing.

The day before the Veterans’ Affairs Committee considers eight bills that would have major impacts on vets across America, Senator Mazie K. Hirono filed three amendments designed to specifically help vets in Hawaii access federal veterans’ programs.

Senator Hirono

Two of Hirono’s amendments would help unemployed Native Hawaiian and Hawaii Island veterans access programs to help get jobs. Another Hirono amendment would ensure that Native Hawaiian-serving organizations are eligible to be considered for public/private partnerships to assist homeless vets.

The committee will consider eight bills tomorrow, including legislation that will help jobless vets find employment opportunities, improve assistance for homeless vets, improve care for female vets and align benefits with increases in cost of living.

“Hawaii’s veterans served and sacrificed for our freedoms, and we must provide the support they deserve. Among the eight bills my Veterans’ Affairs Committee colleagues and I will consider are proposals that would help veterans get jobs and help provide more assistance to homeless vets. Over the past weeks, I have explored ways that these programs could work better for Hawaii veterans, and today I am filing three amendments that will improve programs for Native Hawaiian and Hawaii Island vets. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to get these measures adopted during tomorrow’s mark-up.”

Below are summaries of Hirono’s three amendments:

Transportation Assistance For Hawaii Island Veterans In New Jobs Programs:
With more than 80 miles between towns like Hawi and Hilo, Hawaii Island’s geography can make transportation a challenge for some Hawaii veterans seeking to participate in new U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employment assistance programs. Hirono’s amendment would enable veterans to receive transportation subsidies for commutes up to 150 miles to and from their job site.

Outreach To Native Hawaiian Veterans For New Jobs Programs:
Native Hawaiian veterans and native veterans who do not live on tribal lands are not mentioned in the bill, which potentially excludes them from targeted outreach efforts. Hirono’s amendment essentially expands the scope of native veteran outreach to include organizations that serve these populations.

Include Native Hawaiian Organizations For Public/Private Partnerships Providing Legal Services To Homeless Veterans:
Hirono’s amendment includes Native Hawaiian-serving organizations among the entities the VA can consider in distributing the partnerships with public/private entities to provide legal services to homeless veterans.

After Hirono Urged USDA To Take Action Against The Highly Destructive Beetle Earlier This Year, Department Agrees To Spend $1 Million Immediately To Set-Up Hawaii Operation To Fight Invasive Species

Senator Mazie K. Hirono and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled the first major federal initiative today to fight the coffee berry borer that has been ravaging Hawaii Island coffee farms for almost three years. The project, a new arm of the USDA’s integrated pest management program, will be a scientifically-based approach to fighting the invasive species. In the immediate term, USDA will spend an initial $1 million dollars to set-up the Hawaii operation.

Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei)

“This new initiative to fight the coffee berry borer is great news for Hawaii and our economy, and I am very pleased that the USDA has recognized the threat of this highly destructive invasive species,” said Hirono. “Our state produces some of the world’s best coffee, and coffee is an important export from our state. But the livelihood of Hawaii Island coffee growers is increasingly being threatened by the coffee berry borer, as many farmers are forced to abandon large portions of their yields due to infestation each year. That’s why I originally urged the USDA to set up this initiative and have been working closely with the department to begin its implementation. USDA, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaii will collectively work to help coffee farmers combat and contain this invasive species.”

The announcement of the new project comes after Hirono urged the department to set up a Hawaii operation to fight the coffee berry borer. After working closely with Hirono and Hawaii coffee farmers to assess the need for the program, USDA agreed to immediately implement a new initiative to fight the devastating invasive species.

“USDA shares your concerns about the agricultural and economic impacts of this noxious pest,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wrote to Hirono in a letter earlier this month. “As such, I am pleased to announce the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service has funded an Area Wide Integrated Pest Management program to aid in controlling the coffee berry borer in the United States.”

Electronic scan of the coffee berry borer

Members of the Hawaii delegation have been working to get more funding for a possible program in the Farm Bill currently being considered in Congress. Ahead of USDA’s agreement to fund a program, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced a successful amendment which was included in the Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that authorized funding for a USDA program. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa cosponsored the measure. Hirono introduced a similar measure in the Senate that was cosponsored by Senator Brian Schatz.

“The coffee berry borer has been a destructive force striking at the heart of Hawai‘i’s multi-million dollar coffee industry,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “In just two years, our treasured Kona coffee industry suffered more than $9 million in market losses, representing a roughly 25 percent revenue decrease. The economic impact has been deeply felt by coffee farms, most of which are small family farms, and coffee processors are being forced to lay off workers or reduce hours. The USDA initiative being established in Hawai‘i will help local coffee growers combat the effects of this invasive and destructive pest.”

The new program will be tasked with distributing effective treatments to local farmers and educating them on the most effective treatment practices, researching the genetic makeup of the coffee berry borer to find its weakness and disposing of infected plants. In his letter, Vilsack explained that the new USDA initiative will coordinate with local coffee farmers, the University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to use the following techniques to fight the borer:

Distribute the most effective repellents to farmers and training them on how to best use these treatments

Research new types of pest controls that could be more effective in killing the beetles

Create a plant sanitation program that decreases the opportunities for borer to reproduce and spread

Study the borer to find how the species is similar or different that other agricultural pest in order to develop better methods for controlling the pest

Hawaii Island is home to more than 700 small coffee farms. In 2011, coffee farmers in Hawaii produced more than 8 million pounds of coffee, valued at more than $30 million.

The borer is an insect native to Central Africa that lives, feeds and reproduces in both immature and mature coffee berries. This damage can have a significant negative impact on the quality and quantity of coffee crop yields. As a direct result of the coffee berry borer, many farmers in 2012 have expressed concerns that their yields were in jeopardy. Recent reports have found infestation rates of up to 80% for some Hawaii farms.

Vilsack’s letter to Hirono agreeing to start the program, as well as her initial call for the USDA to create the initiative, read below:

Senator Mazie K. Hirono today took to the Senate floor to highlight a major flaw in the immigration reform bill currently being debated in the Senate.

In her remarks, Hirono pointed out how the new merit-based immigration system that gives preference to potential immigrants with high level education and technical expertise would heavily disadvantage women, since women across the globe do not have the same educational and career opportunities as men.
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“Too many women overseas do not have the same educational or career advancement opportunities available to men in those countries,” Hirono said. “This legislation increases the amount of employment based visas, immigration avenues that favor men over women by nearly a four to one margin. Using the past as our guide, it’s easy to see how the new merit-based system with heavy emphasis on factors like education and experience will disadvantage women who apply for green card status.”

Senator Hirono said she is working with her female colleagues to introduce an amendment that would correct this unfairness.

The funds come from a grant administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant will help the state repair roads and highways damaged by heavy rains causing flooding and landslides on Kauai and Maui in late February and early March 2012. Repair work will include emergency repairs to restore traffic flow, minimize existing damage, protect remaining facilities, and restore highways to pre-disaster condition.

“Last year, Hawaii experienced highly unusual and severe weather, including hail, a tornado, flooding, and landslides. Critical roads and infrastructure across the state sustained major damage, and this $17 million in federal assistance will go a long way to fund repairs and help get Hawaii moving again,” said Senator Mazie K. Hirono.

“Today’s grant of $17 million will serve as much needed assistance for the state of Hawaii to recover from last year’s tornado and hail storms that caused flooding and damage throughout Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Molokai,” said Senator Schatz, member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “This demonstrates the value of teamwork. From President Obama to Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood to the Congressional delegation to the State administration, everyone came through and the result is receiving $17 million for critical transportation needs.”

“Kauai and Maui experienced significant hardship following last year’s devastating rains, including destroyed roads, contaminated drinking water, and damaged homes,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “This $17 million federal grant will be a strong first step toward fixing our highways and getting people back to their normal routines.”

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono today was joined by Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa , and two Republicans, Congressman Richard Hanna (NY-24) and Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25) in introducing a House Resolution honoring Mother Marianne Cope for her life’s legacy of compassionate care and dedication to those she served at the Hansen’s disease settlement at Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai.

One decade ago today, the people of Hawaii and the nation mourned the passing of a devoted champion for equality, fairness and social justice. The Honorable Patsy T. Mink, known throughout her career of public service as a thoughtful and tenacious legislator, passed away on September 28, 2002. On this 10th anniversary of her passing, Patsy Mink’s life and legacy were remembered today by several Hawaii leaders, including Mazie Hirono, Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard at a gathering at Ala Wai Community Park softball field.

Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Mazie Hirono said, “Patsy’s lifetime of accomplishments paved the way for women to have opportunities that she herself never had. Patsy was my friend and a continuing inspiration. In the time we spent together, we agreed to never give up and to always keep fighting for what was right. I will continue to work hard to build on her legacy by advancing our shared principals of equality, fairness and opportunity for all, especially for women, both in Hawaii and across the United States. We will continue to focus on expanding the possibilities for girls and women for generations to come.”

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa said, “Patsy Mink led the way for many successful women by being willing to stand up and take on the challenges of her time. It’s easy today to forget the world women faced while Patsy was envisioning her own future. But she never backed down, and all Americans have benefitted from her courage. Women in government, in business, in sports, and in their lives can now walk a path set for them by Patsy Takemoto Mink. I am proud to celebrate her life, to continue on her mission in Congress, and to encourage others to find inspiration in her example.”

Tulsi Gabbard, Democratic nominee for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, said, “I too am proud to honor the legacy of Patsy Mink on the 10th anniversary of her passing. She was a trailblazer who accomplished so much that made Hawaii proud, starting with Title IX. Patsy was the first woman elected to Congress from Hawaii. She was the first Asian American to seek the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party as an anti-war candidate. If elected to the seat she represented from Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, I will do my very best to uphold the legacy she left behind, and continue to fight for the people, including issues Patsy cared deeply about, such as legislation impacting women, and the military conflicts that continue to claim the lives of Americans.”

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, better known as Title IX, the federal law that protects students from gender discrimination in federally supported education programs and activities.

If elected to Congress, Hirono, Hanabusa and Gabbard are respectively committed to building upon Mink’s achievements and accomplishments in education as well as other areas where gender discrimination still exists.

Today, U.S. Democratic Senate nominee Mazie Hirono welcomed the endorsement of Local Union 121 of the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers (IFPTE). IFPTE Local 121, a prominent alliance of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard engineers, scientists and technical employees, represents 1,300 island members and their families.

“Honoring Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka today–mahalo to a man who represents the best of Hawaii: the embodiment of love and aloha, what we all aspire to be.”

“It has unfortunately become fashionable in Washington to attack Federal Employee pay, pensions and jobs. Everything from pay freezes and pension cuts to hiring freezes and reductions in force are being proposed by members in Congress, particularly in the U.S. House,” said Jamie Kobayakawa, President of IFPTE Local 121.“Fortunately for our IFPTE Local 121 members, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono has fought against all of those attacks. She has stood firm in support of Federal Employees, and for the health of our Federal Agencies, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, NAVFAC and DLA, in Hawaii. IFPTE Local 121 members and Federal Employees throughout our Aloha State and our country need Congresswoman Mazie Hirono in the United States Senate.”

Hirono, honored to have received the IFPTE Local 121’s endorsement, said, “Mahalo to the members of IFPTE for endorsing my candidacy for U.S. Senate. The crucial work that the men and women of Local 121 perform at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard keeps our Navy strong and efficient, and it is essential to the security of our nation. That is why I have always sought to ensure that they have adequate resources to perform their jobs.”

She wants more accountability from politicians in Washington who are holding back our clean energy future and support a national energy policy modeled on the clean energy successes of the U.S. military by instituting a national renewable energy and efficiency standard.

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Congresswoman Hirono delivered her keynote speech on August 15, the last day of the summit

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, candidate for the U.S. Senate seat of retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka, announces the opening of her Mazie for Hawaii – East Hawaii Campaign Headquarters at 230 Kekuanaoa St in Hilo. The office is next to the Hilo Shopping Center, across the former Island Chevrolet repair shop.

“I want to personally invite you to visit me and see the headquarters during our Grand Opening on Sunday, July 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.,” Hirono said. “Come talk story while enjoying refreshments and the fellowship of those who live in your community.”

Congresswoman Hirono has served three terms at U.S. Representative for rural Oahu and the neighbor islands, voting in support of President Obama’s stimulus packages and the Affordable Care Act, for retaining Social Security and Medicare as well as civil rights, education and social services for the public, and in support of the most recent medical marijuana federal legislation. She has consistently voted for bringing U.S. troops home from war zones in the Middle East while supporting funding for veteran services. And she was one of Hawaii’s first lawmakers to support same-sex unions and legal civil rights.

Organizations endorsing Hirono as a strong voice for workers and the candidate with the best chance of keeping Hawaii’s open Senate seat in Democratic hands include Americans for Democratic Action, Council for a Livable World, the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, Voices for Progress PAC, National Women’s Political Caucus, Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Equality Hawaii Action Fund, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the Hawaii AFL-CIO, Hawaii Carpenters Union, Hawaii Fire Fighters Assoc., Hawaii State Teachers Assoc., Hawaii Government Employees Assoc., the ILWU, Asian American Action Fund, the Feminist Majority, and the Seafarers International, among others.

This weekend, the public is invited to meet Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, candidate for the U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Senator Daniel Akaka. She will be in Hilo on Saturday, June 23, for a noon gathering at the Hilo Hongwanji Mission, 457 Manono St., directly across Manono MiniMart. On Sunday morning, she will be at the Volcano Farmers’ Market at Cooper Center, then attend a coffee hour at 9 a.m. at Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village.

Rep. Hirono will visit the Maku’u Farmers’ Market off Hwy. 130 around lunchtime Sunday before meeting with the public at a 2 p.m. coffee hour at the Longhouse in Nanawale Estates in lower Puna.

There is a playground for keiki and lots of parking at the Nanawale Longhouse, located at the 4-way stop on Nanawale Boulevard. Call 965-8945 for further information.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, candidate for the U.S. Senate seat of retiring Sen. Daniel Akaka, will be welcomed to the Nanawale Community Longhouse with a coffee hour beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 24. The public is invited to meet and “talk story” with Hirono at the campaign event.

Nanawale Boulevard is located one mile east of the intersection of Hwy. 130 and Hwy. 132. near Pahoa Intermediate and High School. Turn onto Hwy. 132 toward Kapoho at the intersection. Children are welcome as there is a playground.

“The Pacific region is a vast market for new visitors. Reforming our visa process is a cost-effective, common-sense way to make it easier and more inviting for international businesses and tourists to come to Hawaii and the U.S.,” said Congresswoman Hirono. “It’s why this is an idea both Democrats and Republicans are behind.”

The Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act, or VISIT USA Act, would establish 5-year multiple entry visas for Chinese visitors, extend the time Canadian retirees can stay in the U.S., make changes to the Visa Waiver Program, and make other low-cost reforms that will increase tourism in the U.S.

In 2010, more than 54 million Chinese citizens traveled abroad. Europe welcomed 3.7 million of these visitors. However, the U.S. only saw 800,000 Chinese visitors, of which only 62,000 came to Hawaii.

The reforms contained in the VISIT USA Act could help put the U.S. on a path to match Europe as a destination for Chinese visitors in the coming years. This growth can also give a huge boost to Hawaii. With the average visitor from China staying in the state for six days and spending $350 a day, this growth in visitors could also yield an estimated $573 million for Hawaii’s economy.

“The VISIT USA Act is great news for Hawai‘i’s tourism economy,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. “Improvements to the visa process and other policy changes will help to ease access and make visiting the U.S. and Hawai’i more convenient for many international visitors. We are encouraged by this legislation and the potential it has to boost, not only visitor arrivals and spending, but also our state’s economy through increased commerce and job growth.”

“In fact, using estimates from the U.S. Department of Commerce, we could see potentially 6,000 new jobs created in Hawai’i as a result of the reforms in the VISIT USA Act.”

Allow an extra fee to be charged to expedite the processing of a non-immigrant visa.

Create a videoconference pilot program to conduct visa interviews for foreign nationals applying for visas.

Allow Canadian citizens to get visas that last 240 days, renewable every 3 years.

Lower visa fees during off-peak seasons to encourage more applications when demand is lower.

Allow U.S. allies in the fight against global terrorism to become part of the Visa Waiver Program, so citizens of selected countries can travel to the U.S. more easily.

Allow important foreign dignitaries, like Olympians, to be added to the Global Entry Program after a review of their case.

“Other countries are aggressively pooling their national resources and staking a larger claim in the international tourism industry,” said Roy Yamaguchi, Board Member of Brand USA. “I applaud efforts like the VISIT USA Act and other proposals to facilitate travel to the United States. With Brand USA promoting the greatest destination in the world, efforts to increase the ability of travelers to come here allows us to achieve great things for the U.S. economy.”

This bipartisan bill has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and has been endorsed by:

Discover America Partnership

Americans for Tax Reform

U.S. Travel Association

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

American Hotel and Lodging Association

National Restaurant Association

Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) is also a Senate cosponsor of the legislation.

In addition to the VISIT USA Act, Congresswoman Hirono’s tourism agenda includes successfully advocating for additional funds for the State and Homeland Security Departments to speed up visa processing in 2012. She has also cosponsored other measures to boost local tourism promotion and further improve U.S. visa policies to encourage international travel.

“Our veterans dedicated their lives to serve our country in times of need. Without their sacrifices, we would not be able to enjoy the rights and freedoms we do today. We honor the actions of these brave men and women through the continued upkeep and preservation of these memorial parks,” said Senator Akaka, former Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Veterans Services have worked hard to ensure these cemeteries are worthy of those who rest there, and these funds will help them continue their important work.”

The funds will be used toward the expansion and improvement of the Kauai Veterans Cemetery, Lanai Veterans Cemetery, Molokai Veterans Cemetery, and East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery.

“I am very pleased that we continue to invest in the expansion, maintenance and appearance of these memorial parks that serve as the final resting place for our fallen heroes. These parks provide families and loved ones a place to convene to honor the memory of our brave veterans. Maintaining clean, safe, and dignified memorial parks for those brave enough to put on the uniform and defend our great nation is the very least we can do to honor their sacrifice,” said Senator Inouye.

“This funding helps us honor our veterans and their families for their years of service and sacrifice,” said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. “Their final resting place should be a lasting tribute to the men and women who defended our country.”

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, speaking on the House floor, opposes efforts by House Republicans to gut services American families rely on, including Social Security. Today, nearly 55 million Americans rely on Social Security, including 214,000 in Hawaii. The program is vital to women, particularly single women, who disproportionately face poverty in old age.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) states her opposition to a House Republican amendment to the 2011 federal spending bill that would prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving any federal funds. As a result, Planned Parenthood would be disqualified from receiving Title X family-planning grants and other health related program funds, which poses a threat to women’s health.